THE PRESIDENT: I just had a fascinating opportunity to discuss
Afghanistan with eight governors. I started off the meeting by telling
them I was a governor once. And I -- and they were then telling me
their stories, their concerns. First of all, they universally thanked
the American people for standing with them as this new democracy takes
hold.

Secondly, there's concerns about unemployment, about economic
development. Some provinces are quiet, and the governor wondered
whether or not, because it's quiet, people remember the people in the
province exist. Other provinces have got some difficult security
problems.

They shared with me very candidly their concerns about different
types of operations; their desire to see to it that the police get
better training and better equipment.

And I shared with them our desire to help them succeed, because one
of the things that really matters in democracy is that local governance
is strong and good and honest, that the people are being able to see the
benefits of democracy. And it's hard work in Afghanistan, but I told
these leaders that I think it's necessary work.

And I want to thank them for coming to America. They've got a very
busy schedule. They've been to several states. And I think it's going
to be very important for our fellow citizens to meet these good men, and
to understand the problems they face, and their desire to have their
families live in peace, and young girls go to school, and be people
treated with dignity.

So I want to thank you all for coming. Thank you for the wonderful
gift, and I'm proud you're here.

I'm now going to show them the Oval Office -- a shrine to
democracy. Thank you.